Fukudome has doubles-power and will likely put up a high OBP in the Majors, but won't slug a lot of home runs.[12] (http://www.armchairgm.com/Kosuke_Fukudome#_note-11) Defensively, he's best suited for right field, but could plug into center if need be.[13] (http://www.armchairgm.com/Kosuke_Fukudome#_note-12) Mike Plugh, of Baseball Prospectus (http://www.armchairgm.com/Baseball_Prospectus), says that "Fukudome is tailor-made for the Major Leagues. [...] He has patience as well as power to the gaps, a recipe for success, especially if he chooses to play in a ballpark with a spacious outfield." Plugh warns that Fukudome won't hit more than 20 homers, "but 50 doubles is not out of the question[, and] when compared to his [Japanese] peers, [...] his habitual .400+ OBP."[14] (http://www.armchairgm.com/Kosuke_Fukudome#_note-13)
One projection system estimates that a 2007 version of Fukudome would put up a .300/.375/.500 line in the Majors.[15] (http://www.armchairgm.com/Kosuke_Fukudome#_note-14) Former New York Yankee (http://www.armchairgm.com/New_York_Yankee) third baseman Mike Pagliarulo (http://www.armchairgm.com/Mike_Pagliarulo), now an independent scout, called Fukudome one of Japan's better athletes and said that, "when evaluating the 2007 MLB line-ups, Fukudome could bat fifth in the line-up for 11 of the 30 teams. He projects to the following: .265 AVG, .380 OBP, 20–30 HR, 80–100 RBI and 10 SB.
He is looking for around 12mil a year and has a very stong arm. his numbers in Japan
http://japaneseballplayers.com/en/player.php?id=kfukudome

HaroMaster87

11-22-2007, 01:50 PM

Fukudome has doubles-power and will likely put up a high OBP in the Majors, but won't slug a lot of home runs.[12] (http://www.armchairgm.com/Kosuke_Fukudome#_note-11) Defensively, he's best suited for right field, but could plug into center if need be.[13] (http://www.armchairgm.com/Kosuke_Fukudome#_note-12) Mike Plugh, of Baseball Prospectus (http://www.armchairgm.com/Baseball_Prospectus), says that "Fukudome is tailor-made for the Major Leagues. [...] He has patience as well as power to the gaps, a recipe for success, especially if he chooses to play in a ballpark with a spacious outfield." Plugh warns that Fukudome won't hit more than 20 homers, "but 50 doubles is not out of the question[, and] when compared to his [Japanese] peers, [...] his habitual .400+ OBP."[14] (http://www.armchairgm.com/Kosuke_Fukudome#_note-13)
One projection system estimates that a 2007 version of Fukudome would put up a .300/.375/.500 line in the Majors.[15] (http://www.armchairgm.com/Kosuke_Fukudome#_note-14) Former New York Yankee (http://www.armchairgm.com/New_York_Yankee) third baseman Mike Pagliarulo (http://www.armchairgm.com/Mike_Pagliarulo), now an independent scout, called Fukudome one of Japan's better athletes and said that, "when evaluating the 2007 MLB line-ups, Fukudome could bat fifth in the line-up for 11 of the 30 teams. He projects to the following: .265 AVG, .380 OBP, 20–30 HR, 80–100 RBI and 10 SB.
He is looking for around 12mil a year and has a very stong arm. his numbers in Japan
http://japaneseballplayers.com/en/player.php?id=kfukudome

12mil??? NO thank you...

gr8mexico

11-22-2007, 02:17 PM

Well maybe the Sox can sign him for free. The market for players are up and if the Sox want to win they have to pay.

HaroMaster87

11-22-2007, 02:49 PM

thats too much for a guy who has never had one major league at bat...cut it in half...then maybe

Sockinchisox

11-22-2007, 02:59 PM

I read somewhere that he'd take something like a 3 yr, 30 mil deal.

GregO23

11-22-2007, 04:00 PM

I read somewhere that he'd take something like a 3 yr, 30 mil deal.
Sign me up for that

Hunter2sox

11-22-2007, 04:01 PM

He sounds awesome. I would pay 12 million if I knew he would put up those projected numbers. The problem with Japanese players is that they have great potential, but they want too much $ considering they aren't guaranteed to be good. Kaz Matsui is a good example.

Lip Man 1

11-22-2007, 06:07 PM

The Cubs according to numerous reports are making a hard push for him.

Lip

bigfoot

11-22-2007, 07:24 PM

The Cubs according to numerous reports are making a hard push for him.

Lip

If true, Fukudome will hit a lot of HRs in the NEW Wrigley. The walls will be even closer with the new field and even more seating between the dugouts.

That 368 ft sign in l/r center was old and incorrect a LONG time ago.

The Immigrant

11-22-2007, 07:54 PM

Bob Bavasi of japanball.com was on XM Radio on Wednesday talking about Japanese free agents. He said that the Yomiuri Giants (the NYY of Japan) have made a multi-year offer to Fukudome and that he might take it. He did not cite numbers, but did note that he would not be surprised if Fukudome accepted it.

btrain929

11-22-2007, 08:06 PM

Bob Bavasi of japanball.com was on XM Radio on Wednesday talking about Japanese free agents. He said that the Yomiuri Giants (the NYY of Japan) have made a multi-year offer to Fukudome and that he might take it. He did not cite numbers, but did note that he would not be surprised if Fukudome accepted it.

The only reason I'd love to see that is because that's the main guy the Cubs are focusing on signing this offseason, especially with their clearance sale of OF'ers. I'd like to see him on the Sox since besides Thome, we don't have any LH bats in the middle of our lineup. AJ and Richar will be batting 7 9 or 8 9.

whitesox901

11-22-2007, 08:38 PM

Sounds good. I saw him hit a dinger on Youtube, his swing is a mix of Matsui and Ichiro. What the Hell! LETS GET 'EM BOYS!

SaltyPretzel

11-22-2007, 08:49 PM

If true, Fukudome will hit a lot of HRs in the NEW Wrigley. The walls will be even closer with the new field and even more seating between the dugouts.

That 368 ft sign in l/r center was old and incorrect a LONG time ago.

:?:

gregory18n

11-22-2007, 10:14 PM

I agree, it seems he'd be a good 3-year contract @ 33+/-.

The Thomenator

11-23-2007, 04:18 PM

I'd even ponder getting him at 4 yrs, 42-44 mil. I think the only bonafide bust outta Japan has been Kaz Matsui. I trust the numbers coming from over there a whole lot more than the questionable numbers that have been put up over here in the past 10 years or so.

We can get him, throw him in right and put Dye where he needs to be....left field.

dwalteroo

11-23-2007, 08:44 PM

I think the question at this point (with Hunter signed and Rowand perhaps reaching a price that we can't afford/won't pay) is is Fukudome a better option than Coco Crisp, Corey Patterson, Andruw Jones and Mike Cameron.

Are those names really that impressive? Yes, there's a potential downside to Fukudome, but there's also arguably more upside than with any of the above. I'd consider rolling the dice.